Nullifying federal gun laws popular in Senate

JEFFERSON CITY – For the second time this year, the Senate has endorsed nullifying federal gun laws.

The Senate, in a 23-8 vote along party lines, passed House Bill 1439. The bill, handled by Sen. Brian Nieves, R-Washington, in addition to voiding many federal gun laws, would also lower the concealed-carry age from 21 to 19. School protection officers would also be allowed to carry pepper spray for self-defense and anyone with a valid conceal-carry license would also be allowed to open carry firearms.

Although the legislature attempted to nullify federal gun laws last year, in a new twist, House Bill 1439 would permanently ban federal law enforcement personnel who try to enforce federal gun laws from serving as a law enforcement officer at the state or local level. An earlier version of the bill would have created the possibility that federal officers could be arrested for trying to enforce federal law.

"There was some degree of consternation about the idea of arresting federal officers and so the provisions concerning the arrest of federal officers has been removed," Nieves said. "Even though that provision has been removed, it was very much a part of our desire to make sure that this bill, if nothing else…we wanted a reason for law enforcement to have a healthy pause when they get ready to do something that might infringe upon Second Amendment rights of our Missouri citizens."

Minority Floor Leader Sen. Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City, called the nullification effort short-sighted. She said lawmakers should not jeopardize cooperation between state and federal law enforcement agencies. Justus said concerns that the federal government is looking to take away firearms from citizens or abridge gun rights are unfounded.

"This country is not going to change its passion for the Second Amendment or for firearms. It's part of our culture," Justus said.

Earlier this week, the mayors of Kansas City and St. Louis traveled to the capitol to speak against the legislation.

Kansas City Mayor Sly James said reducing crime in cities requires the work of law enforcement at the local, state and federal level. Nieves said the mayors had not spoken with either him or the House sponsor of the legislation prior to coming to the capitol.

The bill now goes back to the House. A little more than two weeks are left in the legislative session.